Sorry it has been so long since the last update. I am missing being onboard Lakota and having to work is depressing! Sitting in front of a computer all day is so far removed from sailing/motoring on Lakota.
Don did manage to get home, with the help of his RNLI pals. They used the limping Lakota for an exercise in towing a vessel for a fair distance. They arrived in Plockton last Sunday - but sadly, not under their own steam. It just wasn't meant to be. Not the way Donnie wanted to arrive home but after almost five hundred miles it was great to make it home.
The new fuel pump is on order but until it arrives there will be no sailing for Donnie and Lakota. There is also a wee problem with a leak! Nothing too serious but it has to be fixed before the next sailing trip.
Good story from Don this week - He was working onboard keeping his eye open for the golden opportunity to stop for a blether. Little did he know that he was being watched!
This big American gentleman approached and started talking to Don. The first thing he asked was 'Is this your boat?' (Obviously in an American accent - try to imagine it) Second thing was 'Why is she called Lakota?' Donnie duly replies that he wanted to name his boat after the Lakota Tribe. The American gentleman knew about the tribe and as Don explained how he had researched the name on the internet and discovered that the meaning related to friends (the alliance of friends or considered friends)the American was delighted that Don had described the meaning perfectly. When Don asked him if he noticed the symbol on the bow he immediately said 'Oh, the seven arrow heads'. He knew all about the symbol and told Little Don that he was a Native American and he attended annual meetings of fourth generation Native Americans. He told Don that he had not planned on visiting Plockton but fate had brought him there to see the wee Lakota.
You couldn't make this up! I wish that Don had asked more questions and told the Native American more about the trip he had just done and how he had named his first yacht after the Sioux tribe. I know that the nextboat already has a name - Indian theme continuing - that will be another story.
Anyway, it is great remembering the trip and looking at the photos. I sent copies to Dad, Don and Alec this week so the trip continues through the photos.
All the best.
Wish I was 'Sailing By'
CNG
